The Sonoma Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area in Sonoma County, California, USA which centers on the Sonoma Valley (also known as The Valley of the Moon) in the southern portion of the county. The appellation is bordered by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west.
Sonoma Valley has played a significant role in the history of California wine. The first vineyards in the valley were planted by Franciscan monks at Mission San Francisco Solano in 1823. In 1857, Agoston Haraszthy established one of California’s first successful commercial wineries here when he founded Buena Vista Winery. By 1920, there were 256 wineries in Sonoma Valley with more than 20,000 acres planted to grape vines. Prohibition affected Sonoma Valley as hard as any other wine region in California, and most wineries were unable to continue operating. Recovery after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933 was slow. Even in 1969, there were only 58 bonded wineries in Sonoma Valley. The wine industry in the valley began to expand repaidly in the 1970s and 1980s. Official boundaries for the Sonoma Valley wine region were codified into federal law in 1981 as the eighth designated American Viticultural Area. By 2005, there were 254 wineries, and over 65,000 acres under vine. The wine industry annually contributes over $8 billion USD to the local economy.
The following grapes are produced in Sonoma Valley: Aleatico, Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Burger, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Grand Noir, Grenache, Lenoir, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscadelle, Muscat Canelli, Nebbiolo, Palomino, Petit Bouschet, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Silvaner, Syrah, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Trousseau Gris, Viognier, Zinfandel
Healdsburg is centrally situated between Alexander Valley Wineries, Dry Creek Valley wineries and Russian River Valley Wineries just about 1 hour drive north of San Francisco.
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Dry Creek Valley, Acres: 78,387 Vineyard Acres: 10,000, 49 Wineries
In many ways, Dry Creek Valley is quintessentially Sonoma County, where warm days are tempered by morning fog from the Pacific Ocean and food-friendly varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel boldly emerge, both on the narrow valley floor and the wooded hillsides above. Originally planted by French immigrants in 1870, Italian pioneers soon discovered a vinous geography that was reminiscent of their native Tuscany and Piedmont. They planted Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Carignane to produce hearty red wines. Today, the leading varieties, after Zinfandel, include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. The severe, stone-strewn soils are perfect for concentrated fruit and flavor characteristics.
Healsburg Limousine service by Amaxlimo Inc together with Napa Somoma Limousine service offers clients an exciting day in Dry Creek Valley. Here is a sample of a daily tour to consider.
Sbragia – excellent wines and a beautiful view from the top of the Dry Creek Valley
Michel Schlumberger – excellent wines, tasting by appointment only
Rafanelli – excellent wines, but tasting by appointment only.
Ferrari Carano – Good wines, and a beautiful garden.
Raymond Burr Winery – Good wines, and a tour of their orchid greenhouse.
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Alexander Valley, acres: 32.536, Vineyard Acres: 15,000, 81 wineries
The Alexander Valley is named for the 19th century pioneer Cyrus Alexander. He was the explorer and resident of Northern Sonoma County. Flanking the Russian River from Cloverdale to Healdsburg along heavily graveled plates, one will find infinite amounts of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon. Considered one of the most diverse grape growing regions in California, varieties including Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc prosper in the long, undulating valley floor and hillsides.
Forty years ago, prunes and walnuts reigned supreme in Alexander Valley, and the flatlands were dotted with bovine herds. Today, the lowlands produce Chardonnays that achieve a rich and flavorful ripeness. The warmer northern end of the valley favors Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot and newcomers like the French Syrah and Italian Sangiovese. Hunt around and you can still find some of the juiciest and most succulent prunes you’ve ever tested.
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Russian River Valley, Acres: 126,600 Vineyards acres: 10,000, 130 Wineries
What makes Russian River Valley stand out is its climate. This low-lying flat plain extends south and west of Healdsburg, winds is way along the Russian River, descends to meet the Pacific Ocean at Jenner, then makes it’s way towards the Golden Gate Bridge, ending about 55 miles North of this Landmark. This area thrives from coastal influences of the Pacific Ocean, making it an exceptional place for growing cool grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Russian River Valley Chardonnays are exceptional, being slightly more lean and refined than those of Alexander Valley, but the fruit is still developed enough to sustain months in oak barrels creating depth and complexity. Pinot Noir brought this area international acclaim. Where most red wines focus on flavor, Pinot Noir is about texture – the alluring sensual, velvety mouth-feel. It is a textural delight that can only be found where morning fog turns to warm afternoons so that fruit maturity is achieved without loss of depth and suppleness.
